Ocracoke Shopping

You’ll often find the owners themselves tending their shops, reinforcing the unique vision that is found in each one. Many Ocracoke shops feature handcrafted local artwork. The best thing to do is to set out on foot or on a bicycle and just explore. Surprises will await you around every corner of Ocracoke village. Some of the shops are tucked back off the road, so keep your eyes open for a special find. For the necessities, there are tackle shops, a hardware store and several community grocery stores. Gas is available on the north end of Ocracoke village on Irvin Garrish Highway.

One of the most charming aspects of Ocracoke Island shopping is that so many of the shops are located in older island homes that have been converted for their new lives as retail establishments. Down this lane and around the corner is an art studio. Meander up a ways and at the end of the driveway is a cool gift store. A short amble up the street brings you to a great book store. This is the pace and fun of Ocracoke shopping.

Down Creek Gallery is located in the heart of the village on the waterfront and represents more than 100 regional and North Carolina artists. This venue has a wide variety of fine art and photography, jewelry, pottery, unique glass works, metal, wood, mixed media and much more. Email or call the gallery throughout the year for more information.

Mermaid’s Folly is an airy, friendly, sunlit shop that stocks affordable and tasteful casual clothing for dress up or dress down. This fun shop boasts the largest selection on Ocracoke of well-designed, excellent-quality unisex T-shirts. While you're there be sure to shop the women’s fine casual clothing, graceful comfortable dresses, sarongs, carefree ladies-cut tees, flowing skirts and soft pants. Then accessorize from their colorful selection of beaded jewelry, scarves, totes and handbags. Men can browse the madras and Hawaiian shirt collection or find summer shorts. Check out the “beat the summer sun” hats and caps for men, women and kids.

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams (see the Walking Tour section of the Ocracoke Island Walking Tour & Guidebook), the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used by appointment. In the yard of the museum you can find outdoor exhibits including an old-style cistern and the traditional fishing boat, Blanche, circa 1934. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks and museum tours that feature a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge of Ocracoke Island stories and history. They also offer a mid-week Create-a-Craft program for kids. This interactive program is fun, informative and the children leave with a handmade island souvenir. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. It’s open from the end of March through the first week of December.

Ride the Wind is a complete watersports center offering the gear you need for surfing and kayaking (see Things to Do for tour and rental information). The surf shop offers the island's best selection of swimwear and beach apparel and sunglasses for men and women in all the popular name brands. They also rent and sell surfboards, standup paddleboards and kayaks.

There’s no question that Ocracoke is an angler’s paradise. When you’re ready to sink a line, head here for a complete line of bait and tackle for inshore, offshore and surf fishing. They also offer current fishing reports and equipment for other activities such as clamming and crabbing as well as visitor information. Follow recent catches on their Facebook page. They’re open daily spring through fall.

In North Carolina, all liquor and spirits other than beer and wine are sold at package stores by the name of ABC Stores. Beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores. Most stores are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays; Ocracoke's hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and... read more

Working from a shop in his home, islander Chester Lynn creates arrangements for birthdays, funerals, holidays and other occasions or for no occasion at all. He is also an authority on the many varieties of the Ocracoke fig tree and sells fig trees that he has propagated from local species. Lynn is also a noted Ocracoke historian and displays more antiques and collectibles related to Ocracoke... read more

Come and relax at this new waterfront jewelry shop in the Community Square. Be inspired by the Silver Lake view and customize necklaces and bracelets with charms and beads or order custom jewelry for those who don't want to make it themselves. The beads include mostly gemstones and pearls with Sterling Silver or Vermeil findings. Private parties and lessons are available.

These two shops share space in an historic home on the corner of School House Road and N.C. Highway 12. Deepwater Pottery sells incredible ceramic pieces, but it's also a gift shop with candles, soaps and body products, unique home and garden accessories and whimsical items you won't see anywhere else. Knitting supplies can also be found in this shop. Books to Be Red is... read more

The eclectic selection at Captain's Cargo features coastal arts and crafts along with an array of fun and functional items that make for a great remembrance of an island vacation. Stop by for a visit and check out the old 1950s Ocracoke Post Office boxes and memorabilia.

The Community Store was reopened in 2014, breathing life back into the Community Square of Ocracoke. They have a fresh selection of organic produce and natural foods, homemade breads, specialty grocery items and stock craft beer, wine, drinks and snacks. Also shop here for locally made gifts and art, beach toys and essentials.

Corkey's Store is where old Ocracoke meets new! Once a local hangout for dances and watching the locals carve wood decoys, this store now features general grocery items, cold drinks, sweet treats and souvenirs. They're open in-season starting Memorial Day, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

This rustic shop is filled to the brim with decoys and sportsman's paraphernalia. The resident carver has been nationally recognized for his work and is a native who can tell you a salty tale or two. There are old and new decoys, lures, oars and other crafts and scrimshaw that are great for bringing a nostalgic seaside feeling to any home.

An Ocracoke mainstay since 1965, this gift shop across from the Harborside Motel offers resort clothing, brand-name women’s wear, Sea Dog T-shirts, fine arts and gift items as well as beer and wine. Fresh-roasted Bavarian nuts fill the shop with an irresistible aroma.

This T-shirt shop creates personalized tees on site using digital photos, computers and a heat press system for imprinting. Within 24 hours of your special occasion -- maybe a wedding, sunset cruise, fishing trip or other island event -- you can capture your favorite moment on a custom made T-shirt. These instant gratification tees are all pre-shrunk 100% cotton. Their motto is “if you want... read more

Island Artworks is a fun place to browse and shop. Owner/artist Kathleen O'Neal sells her own hand-crafted jewelry here along with blown glass, contemporary crafts, mosaics, photography, watercolors, pottery, woodworks, sculpture, garden accessories and many other works of art. Island artists are well represented.

The Island Ragpicker is an Ocracoke shopping tradition. It's fun to browse through room after overflowing room of goods, and you'll find it hard to leave without buying something. The Ragpicker sells unique home accessories, art and fine crafts, bath and body products, enlightening books, a wide selection of greeting cards, local music CDs and other goods for soulful living. They carry pottery, chimes, and... read more

Whether you want a simple backyard kite on a string or a sophisticated stunt kite, this is the place to come. The selection of kites is enormous, and Ocracoke's wide, uncrowded beach is the perfect place to try out your new purchase. You'll also find flags, clothing, shoes, sunglasses and the island's best selection of toys. They also provide kayak rentals.

Native Seafood is a locally owned and operated fresh seafood market featuring an excellent selection of fresh local fish, clams, crab meat, crab legs, shrimp, scallops and specialty items to go. They have sauces. marinades, breaders, beer and wine, along with steamed crabs and shrimp ready to eat. Get your fresh catch vacuum sealed here so you can enjoy that fresh taste even after you are... read more

The word "negozio" means "shop" or, simply, "business" in Italian, and this gem of a boutique has it all. Featuring its signature 'coke head (Ocracoke ) and Pot' Head (Potomac River) T-shirts, the Negozio is a full T-Shirt and apparel shop that boasts a range of different shirts, designs and myriad colors to choose from. Negozio also has an extensive range of women's clothing from petite to plus sizes that includes informal,... read more

Ocracoke Garden Center is a unique retail shop and garden center to accommodate all your gardening and landscaping needs located on Highway 12 next to the Ocracoke Variety Store. They sell gardening gifts, pet memorial plaques, pottery and Sloggers shoes along with annuals, perennials, bushes, shrubs, bagged soils, fertilizer and basic gardening needs. Owner Jennifer Rich is also a local supplier of native fig trees. ... read more

Men's, women's and some children's casual clothing is a highlight here. There are T-shirts galore, many name-dropped with “Ocracoke Island,” in sizes ranging from small to 3X. Sportswear, dresses, shorts and hats are also offered as are Old World glass Christmas ornaments, gift and souvenir items.

Ocracoke Island Woodworks furniture is handcrafted on the island from white cedar with their own wood-burned logo on each piece. Benches, Adirondack chairs and rockers, swings, table sets and many more pieces of classic outdoor furniture are available. You will find samples of their furniture at the True Value hardware store.

What better way to preserve your memories of Ocracoke Island than with photos? Professional photographer Mary Haggerty will take beach portraits of your family, senior portraits, family reunions or any other special occasion. For those planning an Ocracoke wedding, she offers complete wedding packages that include flowers, cake and photography. At her shop, she offers custom framing, handmade photo albums, photo jewelry and home décor. ... read more

Located inside the OPS Museum, the gift shop helps fund the society’s ongoing projects. OPS stocks items relating to the island's natural and cultural history including a wide selection of books and music, much of it by talented local and regional authors and musicians. The gift shop also has a section just for kids, some fun souvenirs and a selection of locally made crafts including... read more

Ocracoke Restoration offers an enjoyably imaginative mixture of old and new items in a charming, restored 1930s Ocracoke cottage. Choose from more than 200 antique English stained-glass windows. They also have an amazing collection of vintage and estate jewelry, ranging from 1800s Victorian to 1960s. The yard and garden shop has many items to make your outdoor space creative and comfortable. This shop is located at the... read more

Fishermen unload their daily catch at the harborside docks of Ocracoke Seafood Company, Ocracoke's only fish house. Adjacent to the docks you will find their market, so look here for the fresh catch of the day plus other North Carolina seafood like shrimp, crabs, tuna, flounder, oysters and clams. Steamed shrimp and raw bar items are sold as are spices, herbs and condiments for preparing... read more

This local gas station and convenience store has a great deli (see Restaurants). Hot coffee, beer, wine, ice, soft drinks, candy and snack items, many necessities and groceries are also available as are beach supplies and souvenirs. For those seeking an ATM, free Wifi or a place to charge electronic devices, the Ocracoke Station offers all of these services as well.

The Variety Store is a grocery store where you'll find produce, meats, beer and wine and almost all of your grocery needs. It's also the place for T-shirts, beach supplies, ice, household items, over-the-counter medicines and gifts. The front foyer has a bulletin board and racks containing all sorts of local announcements and advertisements. Local menus are posted to the left of the front entrance... read more

This is a fun store, one you'll want to visit again and again. The gifts and crafts are distinctive. Over the Moon carries several lines of pottery, handbags, blown glass, recycled art, playful home accessories, greeting cards for all occasions and a good selection of jewelry. The whimsical and inspiring Brian Andreas Story People prints and sculptures are sold here.

This shop is an Ocracoke original that’s worth seeking out for the primitive paintings by the owner, Elizabeth Parsons. Her artwork is also available on mugs, glasses and T-shirts. CDs of music by her late husband, Roy Parsons, are also on sale. Ask her about growing up and life on Ocracoke. The shop stocks shark's teeth, stained glass, toys and souvenirs. It's a block toward... read more

The Pirate's Chest is a treasure chest of souvenirs and merchandise to take a memento home from your Ocracoke vacation. There is an astounding variety and stock of clothing, books, collectibles, shells, jewelry, toys, home décor and inexpensive trinkets for the kids. Look for the big boat of conch shells at the corner of Back Road and Irvin Garrish Highway.

Visit with ceramic artist Maria Logan as she transforms wet clay into handmade tiles, murals, functional items and more in this working studio and gallery. Her unique, locally framed works add a decorative accent to any wall and her hand-built mugs will become your new favorite. Check out her ready-to-install tile murals to turn a wall, backsplash or shower stall into a work of art.... read more

Secret Garden Gallery houses an eclectic mix of contemporary art, handcrafted jewelry and a select group of fine crafts. New jewelry designs , paintings and drawings by co-owners Barbara Hardy and Bob Ray are featured as well as other local artists.

Plan to spend a good chunk of time at the Sunflower Center to peruse their large collection of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, art and fused glass. A special feature of the Sunflower Center is the selection of homeopathic and herbal treatments as well as herbal shampoos and soaps. Look for the brick garden arches out front.

Enjoy learning about Blackbeard the pirate at this pirate-themed shop and museum. You'll find all the pirate-related things you can think of including flags, jewelry, T-shirts, maps, books, costumes, toys, souvenirs and more. There's also an exhibit (see Attractions) that’s educational for swashbucklers young and old.

The Gathering Place has been appreciated by visitors to the island for many years. Formerly a storefront business, they are now working from a small shop under their home and have an internet-based business. An authorized knife dealer for Forge de Laguiole since 2004, the Gathering Place is expanding their knife business. In addition to the authentic handmade French Shepherd’s knife, for which this shop... read more

Confections and refreshments abound at the Ice Cream and Fudge Shop. Homemade fudge, dipped ice cream, frozen yogurt, old-fashioned hard candies, sundaes, splits, smoothies, slushies, floats and milkshakes can all be enjoyed from the porch while watching the bustle around the harbor.

The Sunglass Shop on Ocracoke is the home of more than 2,500 pairs of premium polarized sunglasses, including children's polarized. They feature Maui Jim, Costa Del Mar, Oakley, Ray Ban, Suncloud and other leading brands. The owners are trained to provide the best fit at affordable prices. They also carry cell phone chargers and protective cases.

The Sweet Tooth is the perfect stop on the way in from the beach for a sweet indulgence. Fine chocolates, homemade fudge and desserts fill glass display cases and old-fashioned candy and chocolate-dipped treats fill candy jars. Get an ice cream or milkshake to go or sit outside under shady umbrellas. The Fig Tree Bakery serves take-out deli food from this location (see Restaurants).... read more

Down a meandering sandy lane, Tree Top Studio features only the work of local artists. The gallery is filled with paintings in a variety of mediums, some photography and jewelry as well. It is also a professional picture framing shop catering to many local artists. Look for the big “Open” flag on Back Road.

Walking to Village Craftsmen is almost as much fun as visiting the store. It's down at the end of shady, historic Howard Street, about a block from the harbor. This gallery, run by island natives since 1970, features exquisite traditional and contemporary American-made crafts. You'll find pottery, blown glass, stained glass, wooden kitchen items, musical instruments, jewelry, hand carved birds, CDs featuring local and visiting... read more

Women will find much to love in this store, which offers alluring, elegant, comfortable clothing in linen and organic/green natural fabrics made by companies such as Free People, Cut Loose and Hobo. They also sell sun hats, jewelry, fine handbags and designer clutches as well as shoes and a selection of home accessories, art and bath products. Village Diva now offers consignment items as well. ... read more

The Village Thrift Store is much more than just a business; it's also a joint venture with the Ocracoke Youth Center. All sales are donated to the nonprofit Ocracoke Youth Center to fund various projects in the village. Items change daily and range from useful, artsy small items to furniture, clothes and books. Don't be surprised by what you find in the back corners --... read more

Tucked back from the road, this little shop is one of Ocracoke’s treasures. The owner, Della Gaskill, is an Ocracoke native who has continued many of the traditional home crafts of the island and now sells them in her shop. Fig preserves and jams, apple and pumpkin butter, peach rum jam and a variety of food preserves are available here. She also hand-looms bags and... read more